Del Amitri
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Indie Rock / Alternative Rock / Pop Rock

Del Amitri

Justin Currie's wry, melancholy songs about love and failure made Del Amitri one of the most distinctive Scottish acts of the late 1980s and 1990s.

Glasgow, ScotlandFormed 1982Active

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Biography

Del Amitri

Del Amitri formed in Glasgow in 1982, Justin Currie and Iain Harvey developing a sound rooted in melodic rock and folk that drew comparisons to The Smiths and Big Country. Their early independent releases earned critical attention, and they were signed to A&M Records. 'Del Amitri' (1985) was a promising debut, but it was 'Waking Hours' (1989) that broke them to a wider audience.

'Waking Hours' (1989) produced the singles 'Kiss This Thing Goodbye' and 'Nothing Ever Happens' — the latter a wry, melancholy portrait of everyday stasis that became one of the defining songs of its era. Currie's songwriting combined melodic sophistication with a dry wit and emotional honesty that was entirely his own. 'Change Everything' (1992) and 'Twisted' (1995) continued their commercial success.

Del Amitri dissolved in 2002 before reforming in 2014 for live shows and eventually new recordings. 'Fatal Mistakes' (2021) was their first album in over two decades, and it was widely acclaimed as a return to form — Currie's songwriting as sharp and emotionally honest as ever. They remain one of the most underrated Scottish bands of their generation. ⚠ Flag: post-2021 activity — verify any releases or tours since 'Fatal Mistakes'.

Discography

The Albums

Waking Hours

1989

A&M Records

Their breakthrough. Nothing Ever Happens and Kiss This Thing Goodbye are among the finest Scottish indie songs of the decade.

Change Everything

1992

A&M Records

Their most commercially successful record. Always the Last to Know gave them a top five hit.

Twisted

1995

A&M Records

Roll to Me gave them a US hit; the album showed Currie's melodic gifts at their most accessible.

Fatal Mistakes

2021

BMG

A triumphant return after nearly two decades — Currie's songwriting as sharp and honest as ever.

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